Alan Pardew warns Manchester City to beware of fearless Crystal Palace

ALAN PARDEW will unleash his young Eagles against champions Manchester City tonight, so close to being free for the first time this season from the fear of relegation.

Alan PardewGETTY

Alan Pardew says Crystal Palace will play without fear

Crystal Palace need just three more points from their last eight matches to confirm their survival.

And Pardew claims Palace will go into the confrontation with the pressure off and a new freedom he has brought to the side ready to rubber-stamp their salvation.

"It's a real chance for us to really have a go at City, and that will worry them, for they know we have players that can hurt them," said Pardew.

"The contrast is that City will be under pressure because they know they must keep pace with Chelsea, but for us, the game has almost become a bonus.

"I've told the team they can go out and enjoy themselves, play with flair, keep the ball, show ambition, confidence and attack.

Pardew: Our finances are good but not as good as City s! [AMBIENT]

The fact is we have the pace in our side that can hurt the opposition

Alan Pardew

"The fact is we have the pace in our side that can hurt the opposition, and they way teams defend these days to unlock them you need players who can beat defenders.

"We have been doing that. We have ability on the wings, where Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha are playing well and scoring goals. They are a very good combination even though they are still learning about the game."

Bolasie in particular has showed his talent, and Pardew accepts that if he continues to dominate matches will attract admirers that might be difficult to ignore.

"When it comes to whether we would ever let him go, you can never say never. Clubs who like him know he is a game changer," said Pardew.

"If he did go, then it would have to be for an awful lot of money, so we would have to wait and see what happens.

"You have to ask could we withstand the pressure that comes from a big club wanting one of our players.​ But it would have to be a very big offer to tempt me and I don't see it happening yet, because nobody has asked about him. But we might have a problem in 12 months' time.

Pellegrini plays down Sterling rumour [AMBIENT]

"Yannick knows he has to develop more if he is to move to a top club because he is nowhere near the finished article.

"But we know how difficult this game with City will be. I am a demanding coach and I enjoy setting goals, and right now everything is about staying up.

"But you have to be aware of what might happen, like injuries or some other crisis. I don't expect to beat City, I badly want to because it would mean we were safe to make our plans for the future.

"City won't be fazed by the atmosphere of Selhurst or the environment, but they will know now just what we are capable of

"Even if we were to lose, I know we have the confidence still to regroup and go again because our form lately has been that of a top-six side. The finishing line is in sight, we just have to get over it."

Palace are set to hit the financial jackpot next month with three of their matches shown on television. That's around £11million a game for the Premier League and Palace will cash in with high profile clashes at Chelsea, Liverpool and at home to Manchester United all going out live.

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?